Monday 28th May!

Presentation Day!

Monday was long over due. I feel that if we had done this earlier in the course it would have really helped with my Critical Review. I felt a real sense of achievement from the morning and it felt great to meet BAPPers! Here is the edited version of my Prezi:

http://prezi.com/dhwoyskevt3v/copy-of-body-conditioning-and-training-a-dancer-to-maintain-peak-physicality/

Here are some of my notes to clarify the points I made:

Interviews

Advantages:

· Questions can be explained to avoid misinterpretation

· Answers can be expanded with further questioning

· Can gage positive or negative reactions

· Added a personal approach and encouraged professional networking skills

· Improved communication between myself and my employer

· Answers are more natural rather than researched therefore more opinionated

Disadvantages:

· May be bias and opinions too personal

· Time consuming and hard to arrange with busy professionals

· Note taking and transcribing seemed tedious

· I’m shy and it was really hard to pluck up the courage

Surveys

Advantages

· Ideal for restricted time slots and free

· Easy to collate and analyse

· No location restrictions

· Can collect a small or large amount of data

Disadvantages

· Answers may be misinterpreted

· Hard to collect if the participants are unreliable

· Lazy answers for example one word or hard to understand

Literature

Advantages

· Widely used, stated facts that will be seen by many therefore are to be accurate.

· Already exists

· Can be accessible

· Can be revisited

Disadvantages

· May just be authors opinion

· Can be outdated

· Sometimes specific literature is hard to acquire

· Can be expensive

Observations

Advantages

· Primary Source, first hand information

· Lots of classes to choose from at LCPA

Disadvantages

· Time consuming

· Could be bias or inaccurate for example students varied attendance/punctuality or behaviour maybe unnatural due to being watched

Interview Findings

A. From her experience: Pilates mat work. High level of demonstration. Anatomy teaching advised. Strict attitude as a teacher to motivate.

B. Thinks he should have had a better training regime. As injury meant that dancing job was affected. Swings are not always available.

C. Her training regime was aimed at body composition maintaining fat percentage, her image was important for her. Which is also a huge factor…

D. Eating healthy. Pilates principles—breathing. Need to support dance technique. To aid injury prevention. Imbalance is caused by the  dancers having a preferred side or foot to work from - this amongst other factors needs addressing.

2 others:

Another dancer and a dancer turned personal trainer.

Observation Categories

Cardiovascular Fitness: 1-Struggles to perform choreography due to lack of stamina -heart and lung capacity.

10 -Easily performing all exercises and dance combinations in class

without visible fatigue.

Muscular Strength/Power: 1-Struggles to leap higher than the ballet barre when performing a leap.

10- Far exceeds the height of the ballet barre when performing a leap.

Muscular Endurance:1-Struggles to balance in extensions. 10-Finds it easy to balance in extensions.

Flexibility: 1- Struggles to perform the splits.

10- Easily perform the splits.

Postural Alignment: 1—Bad Posture and alignment.

10- Excellent Posture and alignment

Critical Reflection

· Keeping up to date with skills and methods out there.

· Continue research.

· Communicate frequently using Web 2 tools and online networks.

· Add a standardises fitness test and assessment every term.

· Keep up communication between peers.

· Implementing recommendations in the advice I give.

As predicted anatomy and physiology will be a part of the course as the BTEC diploma will be introduced, however the Course Director endorses my involvement in teaching the Anatomy and Physiology with methods/skills I have learnt through my Inquiry.

I had great fun creating this and found I really got to grips with the processes I went through this year. I feel I have learnt a lot and that there is still so more to come now I have found my niche in the workplace.

Presentation

Laura Jane Wier posted a presentation online and I found the same site very useful. I personaly think I should have created my PREZI presentation before writing my Critical Review. The process helped put into perspective all I had learn't over the three modules. It also enhanced my critical thinking. With everything in order, in a visual sense it helped clear the path and show the journey I have been on. I really enjoyed creating this presentation and will use this online tool again!

Take a look:

http://prezi.com/tskunbl4cthm/present/?auth_key=336qbsu&follow=gle7jiol4fvo

Dance Training and Body Composition

“Dance training is intensely physical and the body needs to be strong and healthy, well-nourished and powerful to perform” (Rose, E. 2012)

I’m so glad I stopped and read this blog from Emily Rose. In my inquiry I am looking at training dancers and specifically looking at the components of fitness within Body Conditioning classes. One of the components of fitness is Body Composition. This essentially is the percentage of body fat to lean muscle mass, bone and water. I have mentioned in my critical review that I don’t want to draw too much attention to this during the training as dancers are under a lot of pressure already to ‘look good’.  The conclusion of this blog sums this up perfectly as dancers need energy to move the way they do. Restricting the intake of nutrition will limit the progression of the dancers. Muscle atrophy, and fatigue due to lack of nutrition will inevitably lead to injury. More problems will also occur in later life, particularly with bone density. This means that if the essential vitamins, minerals and ‘good’ fats are restricted it can cause deficiencies in all parts of the body now, later on in a dancer’s career and here after.

Reference

1.      http://emilyrose91.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/thinspirational.html?showComment=1336426424035

Blog about blogging

When looking through literature sources I found this Article in Athens. The 'Professional Strength & Conditioning'. This is an extract from an Interview by Dave Cripps with Vern Gambetta in a section called The Five People you Meet in Heaven. 'Dave is a strength and conditioning coach currently working at Leicester Tigers Rugby Academy and Coventry University.' Vern Gambetta is acknowledged as one of the most influential and experienced sports coaches in the world, having worked in the field for over 39 years. He has worked in athletic development across a vast number of sports including baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, swimming and football. Furthermore, he has lectured internationally, been actively involved in coach education programmes, authored books and regularly writes on his acclaimed blog ‘Functional Path Training’

"DC: You have a great blog, mainly because you discuss

a variety of wide ranging topics and I genuinely believe

that you say what you honestly think. There are also

some other great coach blogs out there. Do you think

the blogging culture within the field, has led to certain

issues? I ask having read your blog post titled

‘intellectual incest’

VG: I never have had difficulty in saying what I think.

‘Intellectual incest’ really bothers me. In sport there

are few original ideas, we all stand on the shoulders of

giants. I believe that you MUST give credit where credit

is due. I have no tolerance for gurus and charlatans.

There are too many posers out there who have never

had to legitimately coach, supervising a weight room is

not coaching. I do read many blogs and training sites

on the internet, but there is too much bullshit and not

enough substance. I would rather read books, study

research and interact with people who are willing to

share ideas. Remember there is no filter on the

internet!

DC: So referring back to your previous statement, you

very much rely on your network of colleagues to learn

new things and develop?

VG: I sure do, and sometimes daily. There is a group

of us that are almost in constant communication. In

addition, there is the network from the GAIN

Apprentorship that is proving very valuable as a source

of good, solid information and for sounding. We may

not all agree, but we do speak a common language, so

we understand where everyone is coming from." [1]

The blogging process is extremely useful and I am now trying to reach professionals in my field outside the BAPP course. Vern Gambetta knows what he is talking about, he has extensive training and experience behind him and I look to him for inspiration. I now wish to extend my blogging networks as I feel this will be incredibly beneficial to my professional practise. Maybe one day my Blog will be as useful as Gambetta's.

Reference:

1. Cripps, D. 2009 Professional Strength and Conditioning: The Five People you Meet in Heaven No. 15 Autumn ed, UK Professional strength and conditioning assoc. [Online] http://lgdata.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/docs/566/52855/UKSCA_15.pdf

Pilates for Dummies

As part of my Inquiry I am taking a closer look into Pilates...

Pilates for dummies DVD

Tracey Thompson takes us through a combination of exercises. This instructor is reliable and well informed. She is a certified NASM and AFAA fitness professional with more than 18 years experience. This personal trainer is a group fitness instructor who specialises in the Pilates method and modified-Pilates programs.

The DVD describes itself as a ""Unintimidating program that takes you through Pilates standing and floor workout techniques in easy-to-understand language."

This DVD is sold for weight loss. I feel Pilate’s principles are the same no matter what the purpose. This is why I reviewed this DVD nevertheless. A good, easy to follow workout for everyone: dancers and non-dancers alike. The exercises are appropriate and take the participant through a range of low intensity exercises with harder options. The exercises are not just those of Mat Work but standing too. The standing exercises may be a little strenuous for non-dancers or the injured as they put pressure on the knee. Overall, I was pleased with the work-out, maybe a little simple for my ability but the technique and strengthening elements I was looking for are all there.

After following the DVD and practising the technique I have adapted the exercises using my dance and fitness expertise for appropriate use in my own lessons. The exercises follow the eight principles of Pilates and my own knowledge of exercise fitness techniques.

The following information was passed to me from a highly trained Pilates practitioner:

Pilates Principles

Pilates is not just a set of exercises which are performed, it is a way of moving. Regular practise will bring many benefits, including; better posture strength, muscle tone and balance, flexibility, joint stability, bone density and reduced stress levels.

8 principles underlie all Pilates exercises and their variations.

1. Concentration

The mind/body link. Block out all other thoughts while focusing on the movement. Make every movement a conscious act.

2. Breathing

Controlled, continuous breathing. Lateral thoracic breathing is used as the deep abdominal muscles are contacted (30%). Generally breathing is out on the greatest effort.

3. Centring

All movements stem from the centre powerhouse and are controlled by the deep abdominal muscles (inner unit). These muscles must be contracted prior to moving limbs. The body needs to work as a unit rather than separate parts.

4. Control

All moves are slow and controlled. Slower is harder! It may be necessary to undo bad habits and relearn control of some moves.

5. Precision

Placing the body in an exact position under conscious control. Alignment needs to be set up for all exercises.

6. Flowing movement

Moves are continuous with no beginning or end. This allows moves to be functional with concentric and eccentric work. developing strength and flexibility in balanced measures.

These principles are important to dancers. The above allows dancers to move effortlessly throughout physically demanding routines with finesse. Therefore it is important to incorporate this into a dancers training regime.

Quick internet search:

Yoga Vs Pilates

"Pilates seek to reach much the same goals, also via a series of controlled movements. The major difference is that the Pilates technique not only has a full complement of mat work, but it incorporates work on the Pilates machines. The emphasis of the exercises is to strengthen the abdominals, improve posture, stabilize and lengthen the spine, improve balance and overall strength. Pilates gives you a longer, leaner, dancer-like line."

http://healing.about.com/od/pilates/a/yogavspilates.htm

We will not be using the machines for my intervention due to the gym being closed. The above reassures me that mat work will strengthen the abdominals, and improve posture. Which are all integral to the training regime I teach the class. The principles of Pilates help to guide my teaching points.

Dance Science

The sentence below pretty much descirbes the basis for Body Conditioning. I found this on Wikipedia; not the most reliable source but a wide spread view. I have decided to look further into Dance Science and Biomachanics. The search for Biomachanic Literature deepens my Inquiry.

 "Dance science is the scientific study of dance and dancers, as well as the practical application of scientific principles to dance. Its aims are the enhancement of performance, the reduction of injury, and the improvement of well-being and health."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dance_science

"Sports biomechanics is a quantitative based study and analysis of professional athletes and sports' activities in general"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_biomechanics

Is there such a thing as the study of Dance Biomachanics?

Twittering

https://twitter.com/#!/Aby_Lea

Follow me guys, Im new to all this. Trying to extend the networks!

Nearly there have you sent your drafts? Im on my way, a little behind because of end of term antics in the six schools I teach in. Mad few weeks but not long to go, very excited to see the end product!
:)

Plus loving this...
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Middlesex-University-BAPP-Page/268455089898820

So Far...

Qualitative Data

Interviews

The people I chose for this process are from a cross section of the dance profession. Interview one is with a successful dancer who is currently working. Two, an older successful dancer with an injury. An ex-professional dancer turned teacher and trained Pilates instructor and the fourth with the course co-ordinator at the college. I chose these participants as I feel they collectively give an all round perspective of the training dancer and a career in_­ dance. The dancers careers have involved many varied different dance contracts including; Land, on Cruise Ships, Television/Music Video's, Concert Tours and the West End.

First Set of Student Survey/Test results

I was surprised that the student’s knowledge of basic anatomy and physical fitness was so poor. This is what triggered the idea for the intervention. How can I improve the student’s knowledge and understanding in a way that would supplement their Body conditioning training?

What could I do...?

I decided to set them tasks during their spring term to help them learn about the importance of body conditioning. How with better knowledge of anatomy and physical fitness a dancer/ training dancer can maintain a body at peak physical condition. Thus improving injury prevention and help injury management.

How could I tell if it worked?

Second Set of Student Surveys and Contextual Test Results

To be completed after intervention to test its effectiveness.

Review of Literature

I based the intervention on many teachings from the literature (literature blog to follow). 

Quantitative Data: 

Survey Monkey Results

• 77.8% have a fitness regime now and either swim, run, work out, visit the gym 2-5 days a week, or take part in more than 40 minutes of exercise every day. These can be ideas outlined within my professional artefact.

This one point shows the need to promote physical fitness within the students BC classes. It is well known that it is important for dance professionals to maintain peak physical condition to prevent or manage injury.

Observations and Register Results

I have recorded injuries and level of effort throughout the term so I can compare these with the observation results taken from the ballet assessments. To hopefully show if the extra academic training as well as concentrated stylised training had any effect on performance and injuries during the term. Furthermore, did working hard in BC facilitate other dance classes? E.g. stretching and strengthening in BC help Grande Battement in Ballet. Observation of Ballet assessments to right up and comparisons with register data to follow. Is there a correlation?

Intervention Process then Review/Assessment

Intervention is still underway. 

So Far...

From my findings the inquiry will involve an intervention. This will consist of the teaching of a range of training styles to improve the dancer’s fitness. Circuit training, pilates/yoga, personal training style partner work and aerobic style classes. Furthermore, contextual study style homework provided by myself designed to improve the student’s knowledge of anatomy, fitness and injury prevention/management.  

My inquiry is to see if any of the above will improve the students understanding of their training as well as preparing them appropriately for their other classes and self motivated training. The artefact as a BC guide then is something to keep, helping inform their practise and injury management as many injuries re-occur throughout a career.

Quantitative data from observations in relation to register recordings of injuries and performance during class will be evidence of the above. Along with a fitness review at the end of the ten week intervention, a second survey will hopefully show the effectiveness of the intervention. Further qualitative data will include a second interview with the course coordinator that will confirm whether I have been successful in my inquiry. Her opinion and thoughts are imperative for the event of its release. The desired outcome would be the allowance of my guide to become a part of the curriculum material.

After a conversation with Paula the idea to add a report form for the recording of injuries within the artefact formulated. We discussed allowing students to record injuries, information about injury prevention/management, advice/exercises given from the physio and myself. To avoid negative attitudes towards the subject it would be important to accompany this with an explanation that injuries happen and it’s all a part of a dancers training and career. This artefact will inform a dancer how to deal with the event of an injury and alleviate any anxiety due to the fear of the unknown. As well as giving BC guidance to compliment their course at the college.